"King of England, and you Duke of Bedford who call yourself Regent of France, render to the Maid who is sent here by God the King of Heaven, the keys of all the good towns which you have taken and violated in France. She comes here by God's order and the King of Heaven's, to reclaim the royal blood of France. She is fully prepared to make peace if you will give her satisfaction by abandoning France and paying for what you have taken. And you archers, companions of war, men-at-arms and others who are before the town of Orleans, go back to your own country by God's order and the Maid's; if you do not, expect news of the Maid who will come to see you very shortly, to your very great misfortune."

Joan of Arc, letter dictated to the English commanders at Orleans, 22 March 1429. Joan was approximately 17 years old. She had convinced the Dauphin Charles to give her command of troops to relieve the besieged city of Orleans. The city was relieved on 8 May 1429.